In addition to the rising pipeline opposition the other bad sign for Alberta’s carbon empire is that the world is starting to come to terms with the realities of the growing climate crisis and the urgent need to address it. More and more countries are making moves to reduce their emissions and cut their fossil fuel use. Just recently carbon giants China and the US have made small steps to do the same. The pressure to address the climate crisis isn’t going to subside, but instead, like the frequency and intensity of the super storms climate change causes, is set only to increase.

Rather than putting all of our eggs in the boom-and-bust basket of tar sands expansion, Alberta could capitalize on its tremendous potential to get us off the roller coaster, out of the carbon doghouse and become a national leader in renewables.

Alberta is one of the sunniest provinces in the entire country (second only to Saskatchewan). Solar energy has dramatically dropped in price in the past few years, making it cost-competitive with traditional power in many parts of the world. China installed as much solar capacity last year as the entire Alberta electricity system, Germany employs over 250,000 people in its renewable sector, and the global possibilities for a solar boom look even brighter.

Alberta has a chance to seize the momentum and ride the solar wave. Solar can save home and business owners money on their energy bills, it can help reduce costs for farmers and in some cases, can provide them with a much-needed guaranteed income, and it can help Alberta lower its booming emissions as well.

Wind is also big. We all know how windy the south of Alberta is, but there’s huge potential throughout the province. Alberta used to lead Canada in wind energy development and has the potential to reclaim that lead once again. Despite numerous hurdles, wind already supplies 5% of Alberta’s electricity, but has the potential to do a lot more. Wind is one of the lowest cost risks for new electricity supply and it could be another sector that would help diversify our economy, reduce our emissions and put people to work.

A robust retrofitting program could be some of the quickest and biggest wins for Alberta creating anywhere between 10,000 and 22,000 jobs. Employing people to retrofit leaky buildings and homes is an easy way to reduce emissions and save home and business owners money. Who wouldn’t like a little extra cash in their pocket? A good retrofitting program could reduce emissions equivalent to taking more than 150,000 cars off the road.

According to Natural Resources Canada, Alberta also has some of the best geothermal energy potential in Canada. Tapping into the energy of the intense heat that exists deep underground requires expertise in drilling, of which there is no shortage in our province.

The possibilities for Alberta’s renewable energy growth really are endless. From high-speed rail, to supporting solar energy, there is much we could be doing with our wealth that the government isn’t. Opinion polls consistently show that Albertans want action on the climate, and they prefer investments in renewables to fossil fuels.

The public support is there, the need for action has never been greater and the opportunity is huge. The only thing we are missing future Premier is you.

Rather than denying the problem, blocking progress, wouldn’t it be easier just to lead the green charge?

People throughout Alberta are already moving and realizing the benefits. We’d love it if you came and joined us.